The Elder Blood Chronicles – Book Three(20)

Shade nodded silently and followed the rogue. He wasn’t sure if Charm was upset with Havoc or upset with Havoc serving penance, but it obviously wasn’t a topic he wished to speak of. His steps slowed as he watched two Fionaveir pull a body free from a pile of timbers. The girl looked to be in her twenties, with long dark hair. One side of her head was caved in but the features were still recognizable and painfully familiar. “I knew her. She worked at the Millstone Café on Trader’s way. I had breakfast there every morning and she always knew just what to bring me without my asking.” He watched them move the body to join the others lining the road. “Her name was Elise. She was saving money for her apprenticeship with a tailor.”

Charm had stopped walking as well and was watching Shade with a look of sympathy. “No matter how hard you try, Shade, you can never save them all. Death demands her due and she is a greedy bitch. Remember her. That is the best you can do now. “

“I’ll be remembering quite a few, I suppose. I knew most of the people in the inner city,” Shade said softly as he continued toward the Hall.

“We all will be, Shade. Most of the half-blood Fionaveir are from Sanctuary. You are remembering acquaintances or perhaps a few actual friends. They are remembering family and childhood playmates. It isn’t just you that is finding this painful,” Charm scolded gently as he fell into step beside Shade once more.

Shade nodded in acknowledgment as he pulled open the door to the hall. A few people milled inside and from the expressions on their faces, something was wrong. He watched the furtive glances toward the double doors on the back way that led to the office Lutheron had chosen and then glanced back at Charm again in question.

“Is he busy?” Charm asked to the closest Fionaveir.

The woman blanched slightly and nodded. “Victory returned. There has been some yelling. I’m not sure what is going on, but Lutheron is not pleased at all,” she said softly as if she was afraid Lutheron could somehow overhear her words through the thick oak doors. Nervously, she brushed a stray lock of blond hair from her face and looked hopefully at Charm. “You have good news for him though? I really don’t want to make my report until he is in a better mood.”

“I’m here for assignment, not to report. I doubt he will be in a better mood from that, but I’ll do what I can, Gretchen.” Charm assured her with a smile.

She brightened a bit at the gesture and Shade had to fight the impulse to roll his eyes. It seemed as though every Fionaveir somehow believed Charm was capable of any miracle. It was even worse with the women. If the rogue so much as smiled in their direction, it was as if the Aspects themselves had arrived to offer blessings.

“Just out of curiosity, where was Victory returning from?” Charm asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Merro. From what I gather, he was supposed to bring the Merrodin girl back with him,” Gretchen answered softly.

Charm nodded and bowed his head to her slightly. “Thank you Gretchen. I’ll see what I can do to sweeten his mood.”

“You aren’t going in there now are you?” Gretchen asked, quickly grabbing his arm before he could take a single step.

“I had intended to.” Charm began slowly with another smile forming on his lips. “I’m sure it will be fine and Victory will no doubt appreciate the back up,” he assured her, patting her hand lightly before freeing himself from her grasp. “Come on Shade. He needs a new victim and you are perfect for the role.”

“Thanks so much,” Shade agreed, casting his own smile in Gretchen’s direction. It had nowhere near the same effect, he noticed. Rather than looking charmed the woman simply looked at him with pity clearly written on her face. “I begin to understand your name more,” Shade murmured to Charm as they walked. “Do you actually have some sort of enchantment you use on them?”

Charm regarded him dryly as he pulled open the first of the double doors and motioned him inside. “Yes it’s insidious. I call it manners and courtesy.” Charm whispered as Shade stepped past him.

“Smart ass,” Shade shot back quietly before turning his attention to the room’s occupants.

Lutheron stood glowering beside a table. From the expression on his face it was clear that he had not expected anyone to be foolish enough to enter without knocking. Victory sat at the table and by his expression it was clear he had been praying for someone to open the door. Across the room from them, leaning against the wall, stood Vaze, still wearing the strange black armor and not bothering to look up at the sound of the door. He was holding a glass globe in his hands and turning it over slowly, staring at it with an absorbed look in his dark eyes.